The Kuenringer fortress and today’s
Aggstein ruins, the magnificent baroque
Maria Langegg pilgrimage monastery, the little-known Dunkelsteinerwald with Buchental, and stunning panoramic views from Hoher Stein and Glauberkreuz in the Arnsdorf vineyards await us on the stage from Aggsbach Dorf to Hofarnsdorf.
Welterbesteig Wachau: Aggsbach Dorf to Hofarnsdorf
The stage from Aggsbach Dorf to Hofarnsdorf climbs on varied woodland and field paths to the imposing Aggstein Castle Ruin, then continues into the quiet landscapes of the Dunkelsteinerwald. Via the Baroque pilgrimage monastery of Maria Langegg—with museum, library and impressive frescoes—the route follows the still Buchental valley. A short, secured section leads up to the Hoher Stein, one of the Wachau’s finest viewpoints with sweeping vistas across the Danube Valley.
The trail then descends steadily through the Buchental, accompanied by mighty beech trees on the opposite slope, to the “Glauberkreuz” rest point amid the Arnsdorf vineyard sites. After crossing with the Arnsdorf–Spitz ferry, the stage soon reaches Hofarnsdorf Castle, where this particularly diverse stage ends.
Walking the Wachau World Heritage Trail reveals, step by step, why the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage region. Finely curated World Heritage Spots make the defining World Heritage Highlights visible—the interplay of cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural habitats and the Danube as a shaping force.
For a carefree, all-round offer—including luggage transfer, tastings and transfers—one of the varied walking packages is recommended.
Thanks to excellent rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is straightforward. Within the region, a dense public transport network makes all stages easy to reach by bus, train, ferry and boat, allowing stages to be combined with great flexibility.
The Wachau World Heritage Trail also holds the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification represents high standards in route design, waymarking, safety and infrastructure, confirming the trail as a reliable, high-quality walking experience at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
